UNM Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences extends World Voice Day

World Voice Day is an internationally recognized event that encourages people of all ages to assess their vocal health. Although the day has already passed this year, UNM’s Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences has decided to celebrate it a couple weeks late by offering free voice screenings at the Speech-Language Hearing Clinic on Thursday, May 1 from 11 a.m. — 3 p.m.

The event is open to anyone interested in attending, and is part of the larger Better Hearing and Speech Month. The theme for World Voice Day 2014 is Voice Matters. The theme for Better Hearing and Speech Month is Communication Disorders are Treatable. Together, the two bring to light the importance of vocal health and voice screenings, and, if necessary, available treatment.

Vocal health is very important as vocal communication, even in this age of technology, is the chief form of communication in society today.

“Most people consider it important to care for their teeth on a daily basis and have their teeth examined one to times a year,” said event organizer Cynthia Simonetti. “But caring for your voice is just as important. Come by the clinic and learn about how to care for your voice.”